Sketch 1 (#1/2)

Tactical Ice Cream Unit
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xOercTxx1o
http://www.tacticalmagic.org/CTM/project%20pages/TICU.htm

Deconstruct/dissect these works in terms of their components

Art

Art in the physical sense – the ice cream van is canvas for activist art. Their symbol is painted on the side of the truck.

Activism
The goal of the TICU is to “empower the public on personal, communal and transitional fronts.”
Two Menus:
Ice cream flavour and “Food for Thought”
Example: strawberry ice cream and mass media

Technology

The ice cream van is equipped with a 12-camera video surveillance system, acoustic amplifiers, GPS, satellite internet, a media transmission studio capable of disseminating live audio/video.

Additionally, the various surveillance technologies are used to accumulate recordings which will provide a unique audio/video account of the local geography.

The vehicle's GPS unit helps determine the routes taken as the Tactical Ice Cream Unit maps out the urban landscape through its daily tour of duty.

How do they influence/contextualize each other?

Using the “Food-for-thought” method, the TICU hands out treats but also information from local progressive groups.
The TICU is described as a “nexus” or link for community activities while providing treats and food-for-thought. These components contextualize each other by, first acting as an ice cream truck but also delivering information and, with a closer look, a surveillance system for community activities.

Are some of these parameters mute (transparent), while the others are emphasized? Are all three present equally?

Upon first glance, the most obvious variable is the “food-for-thought” or activist part. In the quick exchange of food and information, the technological part is often overlooked by visitors. The surveillance is inside the van and at, various times, the TICU will invite visitors to explore the interior.

Is technology considered critically or does it function as a tool for getting the job done?

The technology investigates the rhetoric of the “Big Brother” system by acting as security unit for the people. The surveillance inside monitors the local authorities to make sure that there is no abuse of power nor that there is an abuse of power of people’s rights.